Rescue Operation at Blocked Nepalese Hydropower Tunnel Yields Two Survivors

A tunnelling expert involved in the rescue operation at a blocked Nepalese hydropower tunnel has described how they managed to reach survivors. Arnold Dix has been advising Nepal's hydropower authorities on how to dig through the blocked tunnel to Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station, which was affected by a flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border last week. The flood has resulted in 1,300 fatalities so far. Dix stated, "It's like layer upon layer of miracles" that they found two men on Friday, given the multiple challenges faced during the operation. The first challenge was locating the entrance to the tunnel, which was buried under debris from the flood. Dix noted, "I've never known a rescue operation where you had to look for an entrance of a tunnel that was previously up the hill, that was now underground." Rescuers utilized engineering techniques, old topographic maps, satellite imagery, and video footage to triangulate the likely position of the entrance and began digging. After locating the entrance, they faced the challenge of finding the survivors, who were believed to be further inside the tunnel. Dix explained that they started digging in the direction they thought the survivors were located while listening for any signs of life. The tunnel was blocked by mud and rocks, some larger than cars, requiring the use of explosives to clear the way. Dix credited the Nepalese army for managing the explosions with precision to avoid destabilizing the tunnel. Additionally, the tunnel was filled with water, prompting rescuers to dig trenches to drain it. After extensive efforts, they created a small passageway through the debris. In the early hours of Friday, rescuers heard voices and successfully pulled out two survivors, Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan. However, many others are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel. Dix estimated they had dug about 60 meters from the entrance and needed to dig another 150 meters to reach the hydropower station. He expressed concerns about potential complications if debris had reached the station. The team continues to face dangers, including the risk of water flooding from both ends of the tunnel. Despite these challenges, the team remains hopeful of reaching more survivors, encouraged by the successful rescue. Dix described their current location as the "Goldilocks zone," which may be more conducive to finding additional survivors.